Suspicious package (update) 09-17-09

Media Release (update)

Police are investigating a suspicious package found at the Kailua-Kona Wal-Mart on Henry Street.

Responding to a call at 10:47 a.m., officers learned that a patron had located a suspicious package on the premises. The patron alerted the store manager who in turn alerted public safety personnel.

The Hawai’i Fire Department and the Hawai’i Police Department determined that the area should be cordoned off until the package could be examined by the U.S. Army’s Explosive Ordnance Division.

Wal-Mart closed its store and no one was allowed into the parking lot from Henry Street. At about 6:15 p.m., police began allowing access to Wal-Mart’s parking lot after personnel from E.O.D. determined that the suspicious package did not contain anything harmful.

Police have opened a terroristic threatening investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Benjamin Galluppi at 326-4646. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.